Omer Asik

After a trying season in Houston, Omer Asik was traded to the Pelicans this summer for a first-round pick. Asik, who is entering his fifth season, will function as New Orleans' starting center, forming a fearsome defensive duo with Anthony Davis. Last season, in 48 games, As...

Asik shined as a rebounder and defensive force in his first season with the Pelicans after being traded by Houston in exchange for a first round pick last offseason. He averaged 7.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 26 minutes per game through 76 games played in 2014-15.

Asik averaged a double-double last year with 1.1 blocks and played outstanding defense in the low post. Unfortunately for him, the team signed Dwight Howard, and while the two will play side by side on occasion, it's hard to see how two players who need to be so close to the basket would mesh together. As such, Asik will likely occupy a backup role and log no more than 15-20 minutes per game unless Howard were to get hurt or the team were to trade Asik.

2012-13

The Rockets gave Asik - a little-used reserve - a three-year $25.1 million deal which the Bulls didn't match. Asik is raw offensively, but he projects as a very good rebounder and shot-blocker, filling the Marcus Camby/Samuel Dalembert role on the Rockets this year. He's slated to start and should be a good source of those two categories if he approaches 30 minutes per game.

2011-12

Asik averaged 2.8 points and 3.7 rebounds in 12.1 minutes and played well when Chicago was shorthanded. He will backup Joakim Noah this year and could see more time with Thomas no longer in the Windy City.

2010-11

Asik is somewhat of an unknown because a broken collarbone and then a knee injury made him a non-entity the past two years. He is expected to bring some length to the defense.